Signage can be an important part of a property, after all you may have the best-condition property in town, but if no one knows how to find it then it’s meaningless.

Whether it’s an owner advertising space to sell or let, or an occupier keen to have business advertising – it can place the property right on the map.

This actually encompasses a huge range of different types of signage, from small and straight-forward, to larger-than-life permanent fixtures. Likewise there can be a wide range of issues to be aware, both property-specific but also more marketing pointers to make the most of things.

Here are a few angles to consider in whatever situation you’re in. Not exhaustive, but certainly covering most of the basics to begin making the most of signage at your property:

1. Planning Permission

Strange as it may appear, sometimes you require planning permission for signage, particularly where permanent, large, and having illumination. Even more temporary ones for selling or letting may fall within this if they are, say, extra-large sized.

Any experienced contractor and consultant should be able to advise, or if in doubt make your own enquiries with the local planning authority.

2. Checking the Design

So you have the final sign ready-to-roll, probably through some form of graphics or sign company, and you’re ready to press the ‘go’ button to install as soon as possible.

Make sure you have one final check of what it looks like, believe me this can save an awful lot of wasted time and cost afterwards. The smallest of changes or errors can suddenly be picked up by others and suddenly need alterations.

And make sure there’s a clear turn around as well, so maybe request feedback within a week before assumed all okay. And try and get an actual print-out as well rather than just on your computer screen as you’ll tend to spot other things this way as well.

3. Linking to Other Means

Remember that a good ol’ sign is just one of many means of communication, particularly with the digital and internet age we’re in.

So using websites, special website links, and even ‘codes’ for mobile phones can be used in a clever way.

Even on a design side, make sure matching colours and designs match other methods like brochures and other signage at the property.

4. Multiple Uses

Although you’re probably focusing on a sign being needed for one purpose, there is probably a range of other purposes that can be achieved as well – sort of killing several birds with one stone.

So two obvious overlaps is between agency and buying or selling, and property management. So a bit more detail like the full address and current occupiers on an agency board can help others easily spot it day-to-day, or a bog-standard site board could still refer to any requirements for more space or purchases.

Another small detail is adding the managing agent’s name and contact details on things, whether a new advertising board or on existing health and safety signage. It not only helps practically communicate contact details, but branding and awareness on how the property is being managed.

5. Advertising Income

Don’t forget that advertising space is worth money – and particularly on visible areas like property elevations with so much potential footfall and vehicle traffic.

So whether that’s a full-on fixed board on the side of the building, or more some short term space in a window. It can all add up, whether direct to the property owner or back into any communal service charge pot for everyone’s benefit.

There may also be more out-the-box ways to watch out for, maybe an ‘A-frame’ trailer that can be parked on the site.

6. Making Alterations

Once you have a sign up and running, make sure you can make any future amendments, over and above just the initial changes as above.

So occupiers and managing agents may change over time, and the basis of any proposed sales and lettings. So being able to easily update the sign is worth considering, for example easily sticking new ‘labels’ over them.

Oh yes, and don’t forget the practical issues every time you need a change as well, for example height access and needing to check new details and logos with people.

7. Obvious Visibility

This is a classic one – everyone is focused on a great design, to then realise after being installed that it’s not very visible for people to actually see.

So have a sanity-check no matter what that has to involve, for example a site visit and chatting through the locations, or a drive-by the property to see the obvious visible spits, or even fancy 3D visual modelling.

8. Linking to Off-Site

Remember as well how the property relates to the surrounding area, and how often the basic of visitors being able to locate where the property is. Right from checking if the postcode and address are correct, to arranging for Highway signage to help direct them easily.

There may also be adjacent properties to liaise with and add details on, or vice versa ones where you can look to add others on yours as well.

Making the Most of Signage

As you look to spice-up your property with some signage, then make sure you make the most of it. Even the best of properties can help with the right advertising-nudge to steer things along in the right direction.

As you go through these above pointers, start by understanding what you’re trying to first achieve, and then work back with the detail, not the other way around. All the property hurdles can then become challenges to help squeeze all the potential out of your property interest.